Resectoscope with improved guide block and electrical plug connection

ABSTRACT

A disconnectable electrical plug for use with a urological endoscope comprising a housing; a conductor; a connector; and an extension block keyed for insertion into a guide block of the endoscope. The extension block extends from the housing at a substantially right angle to the entry of the condutor into the housing and is insertable into the guide block in either a first or second position. A urological endoscope is provided comprising a guide block with an electrical plug channel with a first entry on a first lateral side and a second entry on a second lateral side such that an electrical plug can be connected directly to an electrode by mounting the plug in the channel in either the first or second side of the guide block.

This is a divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 07/202,154 filedon June 2, 1988.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to medical endoscopesand, more particularly, to a resectoscope with an improved guide blockand electrical plug connection.

2. Prior Art

Generally, resectoscopes comprise a hollow sheath, a working element, atelescope and an electrode. The working element generally has a guideblock that can slide or move, such as by a rack and pinion mechanism orspring, to move the electrode relative to the telescope. The guide blockgenerally has a hole or connector for receiving a portion of theelectrode and another hole for receiving an electric plug. The electricplug supplies electricity to the electrode for resection or the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,610 to Kubota shows one type of guide block ormovable member and an extending connecting part. U.S Pat. No. 4,149,538shows a slide portion with a receptacle or channel for receiving theplug of an electrical lead (not shown). However, problems exist withdevices in the prior art.

During an operation on a patient, the doctor or operator must feelconfident and secure with his instrument. In the past, various differentmanufactures of medical instruments produced different designs ofinstruments having electric cords connected at various differentlocations on their individual instruments. Doctors who were educated ortrained on a certain type of instrument feel uncomfortable in changingto other types or makes of the same instrument merely because of thechange in orientation of the electrical wire such as in a resectoscope.Hence, a user who is comfortable with a resectoscope such as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 4,538,610, with a connector on the top of theresectoscope, would feel uncomfortable using the resectoscope shown inU.S. Pat. No. 4,149,538, merely because the electric wire for theresectoscope extends downward rather than upward. In addition, theresectoscope shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,538 would probably beuncomfortable for a left handed doctor. This lack of confidence orinsecurity about an instrument may prolong an operation and thusincrease the risk to a patient from such increased time.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide adisconnectable electric plug for use with a medical endoscope that canbe oriented in different orientations to accommodate differentoperators.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide aresectoscope that can accept an electrical plug in several differentorientations including on different sides of the resectoscope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing problems are overcome and other advantages are provided bya medical endoscope with an improved electrical plug receptacle andelectrical plug connector.

In one embodiment of the invention, a disconnectable electrical plug isprovided comprising housing means; conductor means; keying means; andconnector means. The keying means comprises an extension blockinsertable into a guide block of the endoscope. The extension blockextends from the housing means at a substantially right angle to anentry of the conductor means into the housing means. The extension blockis insertable into the guide block in a first position with theconductor means being in a substantially upwardly extending position ora second position with the conductor means being in a substantiallydownwardly extending position. The extension block has a receptaclemeans with the connector means being proximate the receptacle means suchthat the connector means can contact an electrode.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a urologicalendoscope is provided comprising frame means and guide block means. Theguide block means comprises an electrical plug channel having a firstentry on a first lateral side and a second entry on a second lateralside of the guide block. The channel extends through the guide blockmeans between the two entries and intersects an electrode channel suchthat an electrical plug can be directly connected to an electrode bymounting the plug on either the first or second side of the block toaccommodate either a left or right handed operator.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a urologicalendoscope is provided comprising frame means; guide block means; anelectrical connector; and means for limiting insertion of the connectorinto an electrical plug channel of the guide block means. The guideblock means has an electrical plug channel with a first entry on a firstside of the guide block means and a second entry on a second side of theguide block means. The electrical connector is insertable into eitherthe first or second entry. The means for limiting insertion of theconnector in the socket limits insertion to at least one orientation oneach of the sides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explainedin the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the handle section of a working elementof a resectoscope incorporating features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical plug shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the guide block of FIG. 1 takenalong lines 3--3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the guide block of FIG. 1 takenalong lines 4--4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical view of the guide block of FIG. 1 with theelectrical plug in different orientations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a partial perspective view of thehandle section of a resectoscope working element 10. Although thepresent invention will be described with reference to the workingelement 10 of FIG. 1, is should be understood that the present inventioncan be used with various different types of resectoscope workingelements, including Iglesias type working elements and McCarthy typeworking elements, and can also be employed in any type of medicalendoscope using an electrode. In addition, it should be understood thatthe elements of the present invention can have any suitable size, shapeor type of material. Cross-reference is hereby made to the followingcopending patent applications: "System For Disconnectably Mounting AnEndoscope Sheath With An Endoscope Tool" by Grossi et al, Ser. No.07/202,152, filed June 2, 1988:"Improved Resectoscope Electrode andMethod for Making the Same" by Grossi et al., Ser. No. 07/202,153, filedJune 2, 1988"System For Reducing Drag On The Movement Of An Electrode InA Resectoscope And Method Of Making The Same" by Grossi et al., Ser. No.07/201,667, filed June 2, 1988; Design For A "Resectoscope Electrode",by Grossi et al, Ser. No. 07/203,022, filed June 2, 1988; Design For A"Resectoscope Handle And Latch" by Grossi et al, Ser. No. 07/203,021,filed June 2, 1988; and Design For A "Resectoscope Sheath LatchReceptacle" by O'Hare et al., Ser. No. 07/201,711, filed June 2,1988assigned to the same assignee as herein and which was incorporatedby reference in their entirety herein.

The working element 10 shown in FIG. 1 is generally known as aBaumrucker type working element. The handle section of the workingelement generally comprises a frame 12, a handle 14, a thumb guide 16, aguide block 18, and an electrical plug 20 with a conductor 22. Theworking element 10 also comprises a telescope sheath 24 and an electrodeassembly sheath 26 that are insertable into a cooperating sheath (notshown). A telescope (not shown) may be inserted into an aperture 28 inthe frame 12 which communicates with the telescope sheath 24 whereby thetelescope can be inserted and retained in the telescope sheath 24. Theframe 12 also comprises, in this embodiment, a guide bar 30. The guideblock 18 and handle 14, in this embodiment, are slidingly mounted on aportion of the telescope sheath 24 and the guide bar 30. A spring 32biases the handle 14 and guide block 18 in a first forward direction. Anoperator, having his thumb in the thumb guide 16 and fingers on thehandle 14 can move the handle 14 and guide block 18 in a rearwarddirection compressing the spring 32 and axially moving an electrodeassembly 74 which is connected to the guide block 18. The electricalplug 20 is connected inside the guide block 18 directly to a proximalregion of the electrode assembly 74 such that electrosurgical currentfrom an electrosurgical generator (not shown) can be transmitted via theconductor 22 and plug 20 directly to the electrode assembly to perform adesired operation.

Referring now to FIG. 2 there is shown a perspective view of theelectrical plug 20. The plug 20 generally comprises a housing 34 and anextension block 36. In a preferred embodiment the housing 34 andextension block 36 are comprised of a dielectric material and are moldedas a single unit. The housing 34, in this embodiment, is provided with asuitable shape such that an operator can readily grasp the housing forinsertion or removal of the plug 20 from the guide block 18. Theconductor 22 is generally comprised of a center electrically conductivematerial such as copper or other suitable material and an outerprotective covering of an insulative material. The extension block 36can generally be described as having a rectangular profile. However, thepresent invention may have the extension block with any suitable shape.The extension block 36 has a leading face 38 having a slot 44 whichextends into the extension block 36 between a first side 40 and a secondside 42. The slot 44 is generally centrally located relative to theleading face 38 and generally forms a top arm 46 and a bottom arm 48 inthe extension block 36. Mounted in the extension block 36 proximate theslot 44 is an electrical contact or connector 50 having a top portion 52and a bottom portion 54. The electrical connector 50 is connected to theconductor 22 in the housing 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a cross sectional side view of the guideblock 18 of FIG. 1 is shown taken along lines 3--3 and a cross sectionalview of the guide block of FIG. 3 is shown taken along lines 4--4,respectively. The guide block 18, in this embodiment, generallycomprises a telescope sheath aperture 56, a guide bar aperture 58, andan electrode assembly proximal end aperture 60 and a plug receptacle orchannel 62 having a first entry 64 on a first lateral side 66 of theguide block and a second entry 68 on a second lateral side 70 of theguide block. Suitable means 72 for retaining the proximal end of theelectrode assembly 74 are also provided with the guide block 18. Thereceptacle or channel 62 generally extends entirely through the guideblock 18 between the first entry 64 and second entry 68. In theembodiment shown, the receptacle or channel 62 generally intersects theelectrode assembly proximal end aperture 60 at a substantiallyperpendicular angle. The shape of the receptacle or channel 62, as canbest be seen in FIG. 3, is generally rectangular such that the extensionblock 36 of the plug 20 can be matingly receiving therein. In apreferred embodiment the guide block 18 is made of a suitable materialsuch as Teflon, a trademark of E. I Dupont Co., which has highlubricity, low moisture absorption and a good dielectric strength.Alternatively, the extension block 36 may be slightly tapered to provideeasy insertion into the receptacle or channel 62 but nonetheless form atight fit therewith. As shown in this embodiment, the proximal end ofthe electrode assembly 74 generally passes through the slot 44 of theextension block 36 with the slot 44 being relatively centrally locatedrelative thereto. The top portion 52 and bottom portion 54 of thecontact 50 make an electrical contact with the electrode assembly 74such that electrosurgical current can be transmitted thereto.

The present invention generally provides for attaching the plug 20 tothe guide block 18 at various different orientations and positions, butwhich nonetheless allow for an electrical contact with the electrodeassembly 74. In particular, for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the plug20 can be connected to the electrode assembly 74 on either the firstlateral side 66 or the second lateral side 70 of the guide block. Inaddition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 allows for the plug 20 to beorientated in two orientations on each side. FIG. 4 generallyillustrates a first position of the plug 20 on the first side 66. Asshown, the extension block 36 extends from the housing 34 at asubstantially right angle to the entry of the conductor 22 into thehousing 34. At this first position the conductor 22 extends from theplug 20 in a substantially downwardly extending orientation.

Referring now to FIG. 5, profile 76 generally illustrates a secondposition that the plug 20 could have relative to the guide block 18. Inthis second position the conductor 22 extends away from the housing 34in a substantially upwardly extending position. Profile 78 generallyshows the plug 20 in a third position. This third position generallyconsists of the plug 20 being mounted to the guide block 18 on thesecond side 70 with the conductor 22 being oriented in a downwardlyextending position. Profile 80 generally illustrates the plug 20 beingin a forth position relative to the guide block 18. In this fourthposition the plug 20 is connected to the guide block 18 on the secondside 70 with the conductor 22 being orientated in a generally upwardlyextending position. It is important to note that no matter whichposition or orientation an operator may choose to connect the plug 20 tothe guide block 18, the connector 50 will always make an electricalcontact with the electrode assembly 74. In the embodiments shown, thisfeature is provided by the centrally located slot 44 being positioned inthe receptacle or channel 62 at generally the same position at everyorientation of the plug 20.

For the embodiment shown and described above, the extension block 36 andat least a portion of the receptacle or channel 62 have been providedwith a generally rectangular profile. The feature of the rectangularprofile, in this embodiment, limits the number of orientations which theplug 20 can be connected to the guide block 18. For this embodiment, therectangular profile limits the number of orientations to four; two oneach side. However, in alternate embodiments the shape of the extensionblock and/or receptacle or channel 62 and/or an additional limitingmeans can be used to limit the orientations of the plug 20 to two; oneon each side. Alternatively, any number of orientations can be providedon each side. However, by providing both a first entry 64 on a firstlateral side 66 and a second lateral entry 68 on a second lateral side70 the present invention allows for the electrical plug 20 to bereoriented to accommodate different operators. For example, a righthanded operator would generally prefer to have the plug 20 on the firstside 66 such that the plug 20 would not interfere with the operator'smovement of the guide block 18 or unnecessarily hinder the operatorsquick and unencombered access to the working element with his left hand.Oppositely, a left handed operator would prefer to have the plug 20 onthe second side 70 of the guide block 18 such that he could operate theworking element 10 without being annoyed or hindered by the plug 20. Inaddition, because the plug 20 can be orientated with the conductor 22extending either in an upwardly extending position or a downwardlyextending position, this allows the operator to orientate the conductor22 as he desires. For instance, many operators prefer to have theconductor 22 extend in an upwardly extending position wherein he couldclamp the conductor overhead and would not feel comfortable or confidentabout the working element unless the conductor was so arranged.Oppositely, there are some operators who do not like the conductor to beextending overhead. They prefer instead to have the conductor extenddownwardly to the floor and would not feel comfortable or confidentabout the working element unless the conductor was so arranged. Thus,the need arose for a working element that could have an electrical plugsuitable for both right handed and left handed operators and which couldnonetheless be orientated in either an upwardly or downwardly extendingposition. The present invention provides a solution to this problem.

In addition to the plug being insertable into either a first side 66 orsecond side 70, for a McCarthy type working element which has a rack andpinion means for moving the guide block and to thus moving the electrodeassembly, the guide block may be provided with a pinion channel having afirst entry on the first side 66 of the guide block and a second entryon the second side 70 of the guide block. The pinion can be providedsuch that it is removable from the pinion channel and can be insertedinto either the first lateral side or the second lateral side toaccommodate either a right handed user or a left handed user.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disconnectable electrical plug for use with aurological endoscope, the plug comprising:housing means comprised of adielectric material and intended for grasping by an operator; conductormeans extending into said housing means for providing an electricalcurrent into said housing means; keying means for limiting insertion ofthe plug into a guide block of an endoscope to at least twoorientations, said keying means comprising an extension block insertableinto the guide block of the endoscope, said extension block extendingfrom said housing means at a substantially right angle to an entry ofsaid conductor means into said housing means, said extension block beinginsertable into the guide block in a first orientation with saidconductor means being in a substantially downwardly extending positionor a second orientation with said conductor means being in asubstantially upwardly extending position, said extension block having areceptacle means; and connector means at least partially located in saidextension block for electrically connecting said conductor means with aproximal end of an electrode located within the guide block, saidconnector means being located at said receptacle means such that saidconnector means can contact the electrode at said receptacle means.
 2. Aplug as in claim 1 wherein said extension block has a substantiallyrectangular profile for limiting insertion of said extension block intoa cooperating plug channel in the guide block to two orientations.
 3. Aplug as in claim 1 wherein said receptacle means extends into saidextension block from a leading face of said block.
 4. A plug as in claim3 wherein said receptacle means comprises a single slot extendingcompletely through said block from a first side to a second side.
 5. Aplug as in claim 4 wherein said block forms a top arm and a bottom armwith said slot therebetween.
 6. A plug as in claim 5 wherein said slotis centrally located in said extension block whereby said slot ispositionable in the same location relative to the guide block in eithersaid first or second orientations.
 7. A plug as in claim 1 furthercomprising means for retaining said plug within the guide block of theendoscope.
 8. A plug as in claim 7 wherein said retaining meanscomprises said extension block being slightly tapered to form a frictionhold with the guide block.
 9. A plug as in claim 5 wherein said top andbottom arms can move past the proximal end of the electrode with aportion of the electrode being receivable in said slot.
 10. Adisconnectable electrical plug for use with a urological endoscope, theplug comprising:a housing being comprised of a dielectric material andhaving a grasping portion intended for grasping by an operator and anextension block insertable into a guide block of an endoscope, saidextension block having a slot extending into said extension block from aleading face of said extension block and extending completely throughsaid extending block from a first side to a second side; conductor meansextending into said housing at said grasping portion for providing anelectrical current into said housing, said conductor means entering siadhousing at an entry substantially perpendicular to said extensionblocks; means for limiting insertion of said extension block into theguide block of the endoscope to a predetermined number of orientations;and connector means at said slot for electrically connecting saidconductor means with a proximal end of an electrode located in the guideblock.
 11. A disconnectable electrical plug for use with a urologicalendoscope, the plug comprising:a housing being comprised of a dielectricmaterial having a grasping portion intended for grasping by a operatorand an extension block portion insertable into a guide block of anendoscope, said extension block portion having a substantiallyrectangular shape for allowing insertion of said extension block portioninto the guide block in two orientations, and a slot extending into saidextension block portion from a leading face; conductor means extendinginto said housing means for providing an electrical current into saidhousing means; connector means at said slot for electrically connectingsaid conductor means with a proximal end of an electrode in the guideblock.